Cat attacked by yobs

9:31pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

A CAT is suffering from severe burns and a gun shot wound after being attacked by yobs.

Eight-year-old Ginger is the latest feline victim of a wave of cat attacks in Great Lever.

The cat, owned by Gary and Zoe Cannon, from Woodland Avenue, Great Lever, has been so badly burned by boiling water that her fur has fallen out and after being examined by vets, a air rifle pellet has been discovered lodged inside her.

Gary said: "It's shocking that someone's shot her, but it's worse that someone's poured boiling water over her. I don't want to understand the mentality of someone like that.

"We've really not got a clue who would do such a thing. It's got to be a pretty sick person to throw boiling water over a cat just to inflict as much pain as possible. It's senseless.

RSPCA bosses are now warning local people to be vigilant when it comes to their pets following a series of attacks.

Caroline Hall, an RSPCA inspector, said it seemed as though there were too many cat-related incidents in one small area for it to be a coincidence.

"I would hate to spread panic but beep a close eye on your cat and if there is any sign of illness take it straight to the vet. Also, look out for anyone acting suspiciously. I don't know any other street that's had that number of incidents. It does sound very suspicious."

Mrs Cannon first became aware of Ginger's injuries when she went to stroke her at 4am on Thursday morning.

The cat was soaking wet and when Mrs Cannon turned on the light she was horrified to see swathes of fur missing and that the skin underneath was red raw.

When the vet examined her, she found that Ginger, as well as being burnt, had an air rifle pellet lodged inside her for two to three weeks.

Ginger had to have two large areas of skin across her neck and back removed, and Gary and Zoe are waiting to find out if vets will have to operate on her head as well.

She has difficulty moving, and her owners have to apply cream regularly, as well as move her to prevent her getting sores.

The Cannons had to have another cat put down six weeks ago after it was discovered with head and leg injuries which caused massive brain damage.

Gary said they thought it had been hit by a car at the time, but are now wondering if someone has attacked it.

When they spoke to neighbours they found that another had been poisoned two weeks ago, one lost an eye after being shot, and two more cats were missing.

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